+ All Categories
Home > Documents > SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the...

SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the...

Date post: 23-Aug-2020
Category:
Upload: others
View: 3 times
Download: 1 times
Share this document with a friend
12
SMT SENSOR PCB MOUNTING GUIDELINES Technical Note 1.0 SMT PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD CONSIDERATIONS Regardless of which type of solder is used (lead-free or Sn/Pb), ensure that the PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free solder compatibility. 1.1 PCB SURFACE FINISH Selection of a suitable surface finish depends on the end-user’s PCB design, assembly process, handling/storage, and cost requirements. The most common surface finishes compatible with a lead-free SMT process are: • Organic Solderability Preservatives (OSP) • Electroless Ni/Immersion Au (ENIG) • Immersion Ag • Immersion Au 1.2 PCB MATERIALS Due to lead-free solder’s higher reflow temperature requirement, use a PCB laminate material with a Tg ≥ 170°C [338°F]. 1.3 PCB PREPARATION BEFORE SOLDER PASTE PRINTING Bake PCBs at elevated temperatures within eight hours of use. This step reduces excessive moisture from the PCB. (Moisture in the PCB, under solder resist layers, trapped within layers, etc., may lead to excessive solder defects.) A bake time of four hours minimum at 65°C [149°F] is generally adequate. 2.0 SOLDER PASTE PRINTING PROCESS 2.1 SOLDER PASTE AND FLUX MATERIALS 2.11 SnAgCu Lead-Free Solder Alloy Typical lead-free SnAgCu solder has a melting temperature of 217°C to 221°C [423°F to 430°F] for solder reflow applications. This alloy is widely accepted in the semiconductor industry due to its low cost, relatively low melting temperature, and good thermal fatigue resistance. The reliability of SnAgCu solder alloys (see Table 1) and their physical properties is almost as effective as the current lead-containing solders. TABLE 1. SnAgCu FAMILY OF LEAD- FREE SOLDER ALLOYS METAL PROPORTION Sn 95.5% to 96.5% Ag 3.0% to 4.0% Cu 0.5% to 0.7% NOTICE Process debug and final disposition of the SMT process is the responsibility of the end user. The purpose of this Technical Note is to assist the end-user with mounting Honeywell SMT (Surface Mount Technology) sensors to PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards).
Transcript
Page 1: SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free

SMT SENSOR PCB MOUNTINGGUIDELINESTechnical Note

1.0 SMT PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD CONSIDERATIONSRegardless of which type of solder is used (lead-free or Sn/Pb), ensure that the PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free solder compatibility.

1.1 PCB SURFACE FINISHSelection of a suitable surface finish depends on the end-user’s PCB design, assembly process, handling/storage, and cost requirements. The most common surface finishes compatible with a lead-free SMT process are:• Organic Solderability Preservatives (OSP)• Electroless Ni/Immersion Au (ENIG)• Immersion Ag• Immersion Au

1.2 PCB MATERIALSDue to lead-free solder’s higher reflow temperature requirement, use a PCB laminate

material with a Tg ≥ 170°C [338°F].

1.3 PCB PREPARATION BEFORE SOLDER PASTE PRINTING Bake PCBs at elevated temperatures within eight hours of use. This step reduces

excessive moisture from the PCB. (Moisture in the PCB, under solder resist layers,

trapped within layers, etc., may lead to excessive solder defects.) A bake time of four

hours minimum at 65°C [149°F] is generally adequate.

2.0 SOLDER PASTE PRINTING PROCESS

2.1 SOLDER PASTE AND FLUX MATERIALS

2.11 SnAgCu Lead-Free Solder Alloy

Typical lead-free SnAgCu solder has a melting temperature of 217°C to 221°C [423°F to 430°F] for solder reflow applications. This alloy is widely accepted in the semiconductor industry due to its low cost, relatively low melting temperature, and good thermal fatigue resistance. The reliability of SnAgCu solder alloys (see Table 1) and their physical properties is almost as effective as the current lead-containing solders.

TABLE 1. SnAgCu FAMILY OF LEAD-FREE SOLDER ALLOYS

METAL PROPORTION

Sn 95.5% to 96.5%

Ag 3.0% to 4.0%

Cu 0.5% to 0.7%

NOTICEProcess debug and final disposition of the SMT process is the responsibility of the end user.

The purpose of this Technical Note is to assist the end-user with mounting Honeywell SMT (Surface Mount Technology) sensors to PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards).

Page 2: SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free

2 sensing.honeywell.com

2.12 Flux Considerations• “No-clean” flux must be used for

soldering.• If a water soluble (WS) flux is used,

use deionized (DI) water to clean the flux residue from the PCB assembly. Ensure adherence to the following precautions:- Water or cleaning solution does not

enter the sensor. - The sensor is not immersed in

liquid.- Both pressure ports, or the pressure

port and the reference hole, are covered if a wash process is used.

NOTICEHoneywell is not responsible for potential and foreign material contamination found in the device cavities due improper cleaning processes.

2.2 LEAD-FREE SOLDER PASTE REFLOW PROFILESEnsure that the solder paste reflow profile follows the solder paste manufacturer’s recommendations and that the sensor’s housing does not exceed its specified maximum reflow temperature. Figure 1 shows two typical lead-free solder paste reflow profiles: • Ramp: Suited for use in most

applications for enhanced solder performance.

• Soak: Suited for use in applications where the PCB has a large thermal mass or a large temperature delta (∆T).

FIGURE 1. TYPICAL LEAD-FREE SOLDER PASTE REFLOW PROFILES

2.3 LEAD-FREE REFLOW SOLDERING PROCESS

2.31 Forced Air ConvectionForced-air convection reflow soldering is the most common way to secure SMT sensors to PCBs. After applying the solder paste to a PCB and placing the sensors onto the paste, the reflow process consists of conveying the board through an oven with successive heating elements of varying temperatures. In the oven, each board typically goes through the following stages:• Gradual preheating• Brief duration at high soldering temperature• Controlled cooling process

Critical parameters for effective soldering are: • Maximum temperature• Heating rate• The time a device spends at each temperature• Controlled heating• Controlled cooling

2.32 Reflow Profile StagesBecause different PCB designs accommodate different numbers and types of sensors, solder pastes, reflow ovens, and PCBs, no single temperature profile works for all possible combinations. However, following the proper guidelines and PCB-specific characterization leads to successful sensor mounting to the PCB. Figure 2 shows the four stages of a reflow profile:

For non-Honeywell sensors, compare the reflow profile temperatures to the sensor manufacturer recommendations to ensure that the maximum temperature limitations on all materials are not exceeded.

Time (s) 0 60 180 300 420

50

100

150

200

250

0Te

mpe

ratu

re (°

C)

120 360240RampSoak

Page 3: SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free

Sensing and Internet of Things 3

FIGURE 2. LEAD-FREE REFLOW PROFILE STAGES

2.33 Solder Paste-Related Defects • Poor solder wetting: If poor solder wetting occurs across the entire PCB,

implementing a hybrid profile may often address this issue. If poor solder wetting is related to the sensors, the root cause is generally a plating issue with either the sensor itself or the PCB pads. To enhance wetting, shorten the overall profile and increase the peak temperature.

• Solder voids: If voiding occurs, the root cause is generally flux related because solder flux loading may be as high as 50% of the solder. The currently used reflow profile does not adequately activate from the solder joint. Again, a hybrid profile often addresses this issue. To reduce voiding, increase the flux activation stage by increasing time and/or temperature. If the desired results are not meeting requirements, then consult the solder paste manufacturer’s technical representative.

2.4 SOLDER PASTE STORAGE• Storage temperature: Typically 0°C to 10°C [32°F to 50°F]. Store the cartridges with their tips down to prevent air pocket formation. Remove the solder paste from cold storage at a minimum of eight hours before use. Do not use forced heating methods to bring the solder paste up to temperature.• Shelf life: Typically six months when stored tightly sealed in its original packaging

at the proper storage temperature. Use air shipment to minimize the time solder containers are exposed to higher temperatures.

2.5 SOLDER PASTE STENCIL DESIGNSolder paste application is the first step of the SMT process and stencil selection is very critical. Optimal stencil specifications are: • Material: Stainless steel foil• Type: Laser cut• Foil thickness: 0,127 mm [0.005 in]• Stencil aperture reduction: 10%

Ensure the stencil aperture geometry is optimized to reduce solder balls. Figure 3 shows two geometries that help control and mitigate the risk of SMT defects due to solder ball formation.

FIGURE 3. RECOMMENDED STENCIL APERTURE GEOMETRIES

Home Plate• Inside corners are cut back to limit

paste volume.• Printed at 1:1 with pad or at 10%

reduction.

Radiused Inverted Home Plate (RIHP)• Corners are rounded to eliminate

tightness and protrusions.

Time (s) 0 60 90 300

50

100

150

200

250

0

Tem

pera

ture

(°C

)

120 330240

Component temperature max.

15030 180 210 270

Solder paste dries while its more volatileingredients evaporate.

Flux in the solder paste activates to clean thebonding surfaces properly. The solder on all areasof the PCB should be roughly the same temperature.

Solder becomes liquidus and wetsthe solder pads.The sensorpackage should notexceed its specifiedmaximum reflowtemperature.

The packageshould be within 5°Cof the actual peaktemperature for10 s to 30 s.

The molten solder connections cool andsolidify to form strong solder joint fillets.Controlled cooling, best achieved bya slow cooling rate, is important to reducestress on the sensor and to minimizePCB warping.

Reflow Cooling

Solder liquidus temperature

Flux activation temp.

Flux ActivationSensor Preheat

66%

33%

66%

33%

60%20% 20%

66%

33%

66%

33%

60%20% 20%

Page 4: SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free

4 sensing.honeywell.com

2.9 CASTELLATED TERMINATIONSCastellated terminations, found on some Honeywell SMT leadless sensors, are plated through holes or vias located in the edges of the sensor substrate. Castellations are cut through to form a series of half holes which serve as pads intended to create a link between the sensor board and the PCB onto which the sensor is soldered. Solder connections between the sensor board and the PCB must meet the dimensional and solder fillet requirements defined in IPC-A-610 – Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies. The specific section of IPC-A-610 is Section 8.2.4 – Castellated Terminations. Figure 4 shows an example of a sensor using castellated terminations.

FIGURE 4. CASTELLATED TERMINATIONS

3.0 SMT COMPONENT PICK-AND-PLACE PROCESSCurrent industry-standard, automated pick-and-place equipment should be able to support most lead-free solders. Ensure adherence to the following precautions:• The pick-and-place machine is equipped with an optical recognition system (such

as a vision system) for centering the sensor pads and the PCB assembly pads during the pick-and-place process.

• Conduct a placement accuracy study to determine compensation required to ensure proper pad-to-pad alignment.

4.0 SOLDER REFLOW PROCESSSolder reflow process optimization is the most critical factor for ensuring successful, lead-free soldering that achieves high yield and long term solder joint reliability. Ensure that the development of an optimized thermal profile includes the following:• Solder paste characteristics• PCB size• Sensor component density• Larger/smaller component mix• Sensor component peak temperature requirements

4.1 TEMPERATURE PROFILINGPerform temperature profiling on all new PCB designs by attaching thermocouples to the PCB assembly solder joints, on the top surface of the larger components, as well as at multiple locations on the PCB. This step ensures that all components are heated to a temperature above the minimum reflow temperatures and the smaller components do not exceed the maximum temperature limit.

2.6 SOLDER PASTE AND SQUEEGEE TYPESPaste solder volume depends on the squeegee type used. For paste solder application, consider the following two squeegee types:• Stainless steel• Nylon

2.7 SOLDER PASTE MASK CONSIDERATIONS• Ensure the solder mask is pulled away

from the solder pad perimeter. The solder mask opening around the PCB pads may be as large as the spacing between the pads.

• Minimum solder mask width strongly depends on the PCB manufacturer’s capabilities and the end-user’s design guidelines. Consult with the PCB supplier about processing capabilities.

• Do not place PCB vias and traces near the package corners without using a solder mask. This step avoids potential shorting between exposed package PCB assembly features.

2.8 SOLDER PASTE PRINTING CONSIDERATIONS• Follow the solder paste manufacturer‘s

recommended guidelines to accommodate paste-specific characteristics.

• Solder paste is typically applied using an automated stencil printer capable of controlling the following key printing variables:- Squeegee pressure- Squeegee speed- Snap off distance- PCB separation distance- PCB separation speed

• Conduct post-print inspection and solder paste volume measurement. This step is critical for ensuring good print quality and uniform paste deposition.

NOTICEIt is the responsibility of the solder paste manufacturer to develop the necessary process parameters to provide the required solder thickness and volume.

Sensor board

Sensor housing

Castellated termination

PCB

Page 5: SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free

Sensing and Internet of Things 5

4.2 REFLOW PROFILE GUIDELINESEnsure the solder reflow profile follows the solder paste manufacturer’s recommendation and the general JEDEC/IPC standard J-STD-20 guidelines.

4.3 REFLOW OVEN CONSIDERATIONSFor lead-free assembly, ensure the reflow oven is equipped with multiple heating zones and a gaseous nitrogen atmosphere. Ovens with multiple heating zones offer greater flexibility to optimize the reflow profile. A gaseous nitrogen atmosphere has been shown to improve lead solder wettability and to reduce the temperature gradient across the PCB assembly. This atmosphere type may also enhance the solder joint appearance by reducing oxidation effects. The vast majority of assemblers seek a solder paste that can be reflowed in air, so many lead-free solder paste chemistries are being developed with this in mind.

4.4 SENSOR REFLOW CONSIDERATIONSFor optimum performance, ensure adherence to the following precautions:• The sensor is exposed to one reflow cycle only.• The sensor is positioned with the port oriented upward, NOT downward.• The sensor port is covered while being mounted to the PCB assembly.

4.5 POST REFLOW VISUAL INSPECTIONLead-free solder joints are not as shiny as Sn/Pb solder joints. In addition, the solder fillet profile is generally not as great as with Sn/Pb solder joints. Honeywell recommends the end-user to:• Train quality inspectors to distinguish the quality of lead-free solder joints after reflow.• Train and certify all operators to follow IPC-610 (Acceptability of Electronic

Assemblies).

4.6 SOLDER PAD VOIDSSolder pad voiding is unavoidable and may be mitigated though several techniques of which fine tuning of the reflow profile is best. Defining allowable voiding is a very subjective process. Honeywell does not define the maximum allowable voiding of SMT solder pads.

NOTICEIt is the responsibility of the end-user to determine the allowable voiding through environmental testing.

5.0 SMT SENSOR SPECIAL HANDLING5.1 PICK-AND-PLACE CONSIDERATIONS Special handling must be considered when mounting an SMT sensor on a PCB assembly. Ensure adherence to the following precautions:• Non-ported, cover-style sensors are picked up by the sides of the sensor cover. • Ported, cover-style sensors are picked up by the port.• Ported, cover-style sensors are not subjected to pick and place vacuum. The port is

vented to atmosphere at all times.• The vent hole on the bottom of gage sensors stays open and unobstructed. (An

absolute pressure sensor does not require a vent hole.) This includes the use of ionically-clean adhesives where necessary (not recommended).

• Honeywell does not recommend the use of adhesives to secure the sensor; however, if the end-user does decide to use adhesives, ensure the vent hole at the bottom of gage sensors does not become blocked. Use ionically-clean adhesives that meet the following content guidelines:- Cl < 50 ppm- K < 50 ppm- Na < 20 ppm

5.2 SOLDERING PROCESSES THAT ARE NOT RECOMMENDED• Hand soldering: Lead-free soldering

requires an excessive amount of energy compared to lead containing solder alloys. The heat transfer to the solder joint is very critical and should not be attempted with a soldering iron. If the end-user does decide to use hand soldering, ensure the following:- Either hot air or a hot plate is used.- The sensor is hand soldered only

one time. Sensor performance could degrade due to more than one de-soldering process and subsequent re-soldering of the sensor to the PCB assembly.

• IR reflow: Not recommended due to potential damage as result of radiation heat transfer.

5.3 SENSOR REWORKSensor rework is an unavoidable process defect as a result of SMT manufacturing. Honeywell recommends the end user to:• Follow IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of

Electronic Assemblies) guidelines when reworking a sensor assembly.

• Train and certify all rework operators to follow IPC rework standards. It is assumed that the end-user follows all good housekeeping practices and uses proper rework tools and personal protective equipment.

NOTICEWhen rework is evident, Honeywell is not responsible for potential and foreign material contamination on the sensor and/or found in sensor cavities due to rework processes and workmanship.

Page 6: SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free

6 sensing.honeywell.com

5.4 PCB ASSEMBLY SPECIALHANDLING Packaging stresses associated with assembling a sensor to a next level PCB assembly should be addressed in the final assembly design. Ensure adherence to the following precautions:

• Use ”keep out” areas at the end-of-

line test probe locations. Avoid probe

location around or directly on the

opposite side of the sensor. Using test

probes in the wrong locations may

affect sensor output.

• Survey all end-of-line test systems to

understand the maximum microstrain

exerted on the sensor/PCB assembly.

Honeywell recommends that strain on

each assembly does not exceed

500 µstrain.

• Address sensor orientation sensitivity.

• Do not screw down or heat stake the

PCB assembly near the sensor. Ensure

screw and heat staking locations do

not exert excessive force in, around,

or directly on the opposite side of the

sensor. Excessive screw or heat staking

force may affect sensor output.

• Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. The

frequencies used may damage wire

bond interconnections.

• Consider using singulation processes

such as PCB assembly depaneling/

sawing with a sensor to understand

the maximum strain exerted on the

sensor/PCB assembly. Honeywell

recommends that strain on each

assembly does not exceed 500 µstrain.

Table 4 provides several diagnostic tools

that may be used for process debug and

final disposition of the SMT soldering

process.

TABLE 4. SMT SOLDERING DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS

DIAGNOSTIC TOOL PURPOSE

X-ray analysis • Ensures proper solder spread under the sensor to the boundary of the pad

• Addresses solder voiding

Solder joint micro-sectioning

Provides a method to inspect solder joint quality during process optimization; it is less suitable to production inspection due to process limitations

In-process 3D solder paste analysis

Monitors solder volume during the solder application process; 3D solder paste analysis real-time feedback may be attained using currently available equipment

Solder strength shear testing

Determines solder volume; analysis tools are available to provide feedback

5.5 PCB ASSEMBLY SPECIAL DESIGN FEATURE: SOLDER FLUX DAM When mounting a sensor to a PCB assembly, consider using a solder flux dam

to mitigate the risk of no-clean solder flux migration into the underside of the

piezoresistive sense element. Figure 3 shows the basic feature geometry.

• If a different through-hole diameter is desired than the one shown, use the

dimensions given in Figure 5 to proportion the new through-hole diameter.

• The recommended diameter for a gage sensor vent hole is 1,57 mm [0.062 in].

Ensure the PCB vent hole lines up directly below the sensor’s vent hole and that it

remains open and unobstructed.

FIGURE 5. SOLDER FLUX DAM GEOMETRY

Solder mask

Metal trace

Opening (no solder mask)

Plated through-hole(ø0,30 mm [ø0.012 in])

Solder Flux Dam Dimensionsø1,90 mm [ø0.075 in](outer solder flux dam)

ø1,45 mm [ø0.057 in](inner solder flux dam)

ø1,18 mm [ø0.046 in](solder mask opening)

PCB

Solder Flux Dam

6.0 TROUBLESHOOTINGSee Appendices A through C for the following troubleshooting guidelines:

• Table A: Solder Paste Printing Process

• Table B: Solder Reflow Process

• Table C: Component Pick-and-Place Process

Page 7: SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free

Sensing and Internet of Things 7

TABLE A. SOLDER PASTE PRINTING PROCESS TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES

PROBLEM PREVENTION REMEDY

Excess solder paste • Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup

• Use an Xbar-R chart to track solder paste height• Ensure a reflow oven thermal profile is part of the

oven certification program• Reduce screen printer print gap• Reduce squeegee speed and/or force• Reduce stencil aperture by 10%• Investigate a different stencil aperture geometry

such as the home plate design (See Section 3.5)

Solder balls • Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Ensure proper solder paste storage

temperature• Ensure proper solder paste thawing time• Ensure solder paste FIFO (First In/First Out) use• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Measure solder paste height• Use an Xbar-R chart to track solder paste height• Reduce stencil aperture by 10%• Investigate a different stencil aperture geometry

such as the home plate design (See Section 2.5)

Damaged stencil apertures

• Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Implement a periodic squeegee replacement

program• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Measure solder paste height• Use an Xbar-R chart to track solder paste height• Conduct stencil inspection at shift change

Pad-to-pad offset • Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Readjust stencil position and pad registration• Check stencil tension• Conduct stencil inspection at shift change• Clean stencil every four hours

Solder smear • Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Implement a periodic squeegee replacement

program• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Readjust stencil position and pad registration• Check stencil tension• Check stencil for excessive wear• Check squeegee for wear• Conduct stencil inspection at shift change• Clean stencil every four hours

Small areas of solder smaller than aperture/pad

• Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup• Implement periodic squeegee replacement

program• Ensure stencil printer has real time

squeegee pressure and speed control and feedback

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Clean stencil every four hours• Add fresh solder paste to stencil• Adjust squeegee print speed

APPENDIX A: SOLDER PASTE PRINTING PROCESS TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES

Page 8: SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free

8 sensing.honeywell.com

TABLE A. SOLDER PASTE PRINTING PROCESS TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES (CONTINUED)

PROBLEM PREVENTION REMEDY

Large areas of solder greater than aperture/pad

• Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup• Implement periodic squeegee replacement

program

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Reduce squeegee pressure• Ensure solder stencil printer has real time squeegee

pressure feedback• Clean stencil every four hours• Inspect PCB for contamination• Inspect stencil at end of shift

Paste volume high/solder deposition height too high

• Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Reduce squeegee speed• Reduce squeegee pressure• Reduce printer print gap• Clean stencil every four hours• Inspect stencil at end of shift

Solder slump • Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup• Ensure proper solder paste storage

temperature• Ensure proper solder paste thawing time• Ensure solder paste FIFO use• Ensure adherence to solder paste technical

data sheet

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Adjust squeegee speed• Reduce squeegee pressure• Ensure solder stencil printer has real time squeegee

pressure and speed control feedback

Excess solder paste • Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup• Ensure proper solder space storage

temperature• Ensure proper solder paste thawing time• Ensure solder paste FIFO use

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Conduct stencil inspection at shift change• Reduce stencil aperture size • Reduce stencil thickness

Excessive squeegee pressure/debris on PCB, damaged aperture, warped stencil

• Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup• Ensure periodic squeegee replacement

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Reduce squeegee pressure• Ensure solder stencil printer has real time squeegee

pressure feedback• Clean stencil and inspect PCB for contamination

every four hours• Inspect stencil at end of shift

Page 9: SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free

Sensing and Internet of Things 9

TABLE A. SOLDER PASTE PRINTING PROCESS TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES (CONTINUED)

PROBLEM PREVENTION REMEDY

Large areas of solder greater than aperture/pad

• Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup• Implement periodic squeegee replacement

program

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Reduce squeegee pressure• Ensure solder stencil printer has real time squeegee

pressure feedback• Clean stencil every four hours• Inspect PCB for contamination• Inspect stencil at end of shift

Paste volume high/solder deposition height too high

• Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Reduce squeegee speed• Reduce squeegee pressure• Reduce printer print gap• Clean stencil every four hours• Inspect stencil at end of shift

Solder slump • Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup• Ensure proper solder paste storage

temperature• Ensure proper solder paste thawing time• Ensure solder paste FIFO use• Ensure adherence to solder paste technical

data sheet

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Adjust squeegee speed• Reduce squeegee pressure• Ensure solder stencil printer has real time squeegee

pressure and speed control feedback

Excess solder paste • Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup• Ensure proper solder space storage

temperature• Ensure proper solder paste thawing time• Ensure solder paste FIFO use

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Conduct stencil inspection at shift change• Reduce stencil aperture size • Reduce stencil thickness

Excessive squeegee pressure/debris on PCB, damaged aperture, warped stencil

• Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup• Ensure periodic squeegee replacement

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Reduce squeegee pressure• Ensure solder stencil printer has real time squeegee

pressure feedback• Clean stencil and inspect PCB for contamination

every four hours• Inspect stencil at end of shift

TABLE A. SOLDER PASTE PRINTING PROCESS TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES (CONTINUED)

PROBLEM PREVENTION REMEDY

Large variation in solder height

• Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Inspect stencil at end of shift• Measure solder paste height• Use an Xbar-R chart to track solder paste height• Adjust screen printer separation speed • Adjust squeegee speed. • Ensure solder stencil printer has real time squeegee

pressure and speed control feedback

Low solder volume/low solder height

• Conduct operator training• Conduct stencil buy-off before production• Conduct first article solder paste height

inspection after setup• Implement periodic printer squeegee

replacement program.

• Conduct 100% visual inspection• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and

process sign-off• Inspect stencil at end of shift• Measure solder paste height• Use an Xbar-R chart to track solder paste height• Adjust screen printer separation speed • Adjust squeegee speed.• Increase stencil thickness.• Ensure solder stencil printer has real time squeegee

pressure and speed control feedback

Ionic/non-ionic Contamination

• Conduct operator training • Ensure adherence to operator instructions• Ensure proper use of personal protective

equipment• Ensure adherence to PCB specification for:

- manufacturing - shipping- handling- cleanliness

• Ensure non-ionic cleanliness requirements of the PCB surface material is 10 µg/cm2 as measured per IPC-TM-650 (2.3.38)

• Ensure ionic cleanliness requirements are specified as <2.5 µg/in2 NaCl per IPC TM-650 2.3.28 in the manufacturing specification

Solder flux not activated

• Conduct operator training • Ensure adherence to operator instructions• Ensure adherence to solder manufacturer

technical data sheet

• Ensure a reflow oven thermal profile is part of the oven certification program

• Ensure oven profile is above 150°C [302°F] for one to two minutes to completely activate solder flux

Component open circuit

• Conduct operator training • Ensure adherence to operator instructions • Ensure proper use of personal protective

equipment• Ensure adherence to ANSI/ESD S20.20

(Electrostatic Discharge Certification)

• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and process sign-off

• Implement a formal electrostatic discharge ESD management program to provide constant ESD monitoring and prevention; program should include ESD process surveys throughout the manufacturing environment

Page 10: SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free

10 sensing.honeywell.com

TABLE B. SOLDER REFLOW PROCESS TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES

PROBLEM PREVENTION REMEDY

Cold solder joint • Conduct operator training • Ensure adherence to operator instructions • Ensure adherence to manufacturer

technical datasheet

• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and process sign-off

• Ensure a reflow oven thermal profile is included in the oven certification program

• Ensure solder exceeds liquidus temperature of 217°C to 221°C [423°F to 430°F]

Short circuit • Conduct operator training • Ensure adherence to operator instructions • Ensure adherence to manufacturer

technical datasheet

• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and process sign-off

• Conduct In Circuit Testing (ICT)• Use an Xbar-R chart to track solder paste height• Ensure a reflow oven thermal profile is included in the

oven certification program• Reduce stencil aperture by 10%• Investigate a different stencil aperture geometry such

as the home plate design (see Section 2.5)

Ionic/non-ionic contamination

• Conduct operator training • Ensure adherence to operator instructions• Ensure proper use of personal protective

equipment• Ensure adherence to PCB specification

for:- manufacturing - shipping- handling- cleanliness

• Ensure non-ionic cleanliness requirements of the PCB surface material is 10 µg/cm2 as measured per IPC-TM-650 (2.3.38)

• Ensure ionic cleanliness requirements are specified as <2.5 µg/in2 NaCl per IPC TM-650 2.3.28 in the manufacturing specification

• Review PCB specification for:- shipping- handling- cleanliness

Component tombstone

• Conduct operator training • Ensure adherence to operator instructions • Ensure adherence to manufacturer

technical datasheet

• Ensure a reflow oven thermal profile is included in the oven certification program

• Slow down the oven profile ramp rate to reduce uneven thermal gradients

• Conduct post reflow automated optical inspection

Component billboard

• Conduct operator training • Ensure adherence to operator instructions • Ensure adherence to manufacturer

technical datasheet

• Ensure a reflow oven thermal profile is included in the oven certification program

• Adjust component placement position• Conduct post reflow automated optical inspection

Solder flux not activated causing short circuit

• Conduct operator training • Ensure adherence to operator instructions • Ensure adherence to manufacturer

technical datasheet

• Ensure a reflow oven thermal profile is included in the oven certification program

• Ensure oven profile is above 150°C [302°F] for one to two minutes to completely activate solder flux

Component open circuit ESD

• Conduct operator training• Ensure adherence to operator instructions • Ensure adherence to manufacturer

technical datasheet• Ensure proper use of personal protective

equipment• Ensure adherence to ANSI/ESD S20.20

(Electrostatic Discharge Certification)

• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and process sign-off

• Conduct In Circuit Testing (ICT)• Implement a formal electrostatic discharge ESD

management program to provide constant ESD monitoring and prevention; program should include ESD process surveys throughout the manufacturing environment

APPENDIX B: SOLDER REFLOW PROCESS TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES

Page 11: SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free

Sensing and Internet of Things 11

TABLE C. COMPONENT PICK-AND-PLACE PROCESS TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES

PROBLEM PREVENTION REMEDY

Misplaced components

• Conduct operator training • Follow operator instructions• Ensure proper use of personal protective

equipment

• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and process sign-off

• Ensure pick-and-place machine is equipped with visual inspection to detect mis-picked components

• Ensure pick-and-place machine aborts after three pick attempts

Component polarity incorrectly placed

• Conduct operator training • Ensure adherence to operator instructions• Ensure proper use of personal protective

equipment• Ensure component polarity is controlled in

tape and reel

• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and process sign-off

• Ensure pick-and-place machine is equipped with visual inspection to detect mis-picked components

• Ensure pick-and-place machine aborts after three pick attempts

Wrong componentvalue

• Conduct operator training • Follow operator instructions• Ensure proper use of personal protective

equipment• Ensure MRP (Material Requirements

Planning) system/BOM (Bill of Materials) is linked with bar code reader on reel, and bar code on reel feeder

• Supervision conducts BOM walk, first piece inspection, and process sign-off

• Ensure pick-and-place machine has programming aspects that dedicate feeders and components

Missingcomponent

• Conduct operator training • Follow operator instructions• Ensure proper use of personal protective

equipment• Clean vacuum tip periodically

• Supervision conducts first piece inspection and process sign-off

• Implement a formal electrostatic discharge ESD management program to provide constant ESD monitoring and prevention; program should include ESD process surveys throughout the manufacturing environment

APPENDIX C: COMPONENT PICK-AND-PLACE PROCESS TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES

Reference: Shea, Chrys. “Stencil Design for Lead-Free SMT Assembly,” Available: www.practicalcomponents.com. [Accessed Sept. 29, 2017].

Page 12: SMT Sensor PCB Mounting Guidelines - Honeywell · PCB surface finish and material meet the lead-free application requirements due to their higher reflow temperature and lead-free

008329-2-EN | 2 | 07/20© 2020 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.

WARRANTY/REMEDY

Honeywell warrants goods of its manufacture as being free of defective materials and faulty workmanship during the applicable warranty period. Honeywell’s standard product warranty applies unless agreed to otherwise by Honeywell in writing; please refer to your order acknowledgement or consult your local sales office for specific warranty details. If warranted goods are returned to Honeywell during the period of coverage, Honeywell will repair or replace, at its option, without charge those items that Honeywell, in its sole discretion, finds defective. The foregoing is buyer’s sole remedy and is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Honeywell be liable for consequential, special, or indirect damages.

While Honeywell may provide application assistance personally, through our literature and the Honeywell web site, it is buyer’s sole responsibility to determine the suitability of the product in the application.

Specifications may change without notice. The information we supply is believed to be accurate and reliable as of this writing. However, Honeywell assumes no responsibility for its use.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Honeywell Sensing and Internet of

Things services its customers through a

worldwide network of sales offices and

distributors. For application assistance,

current specifications, pricing or the

nearest Authorized Distributor,

visit sensing.honeywell.com or call:

USA/Canada +1 302 613 4491

Latin America +1 305 805 8188

Europe +44 1344 238258

Japan +81 (0) 3-6730-7152

Singapore +65 6355 2828

Greater China +86 4006396841

Honeywell Sensing and Internet of Things830 East Arapaho Road

Richardson, TX 75081

sensing.honeywell.com


Recommended